PolitiJax: Medicaid: 'Too many unanswered questions'

Gov. Rick Scott’s top budget-writer says that a growing number of Republican governors opting to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are not impacting the administration’s decisions.

Scott did not include funding for the expansion in his 2013-2014 budget proposal but said it was “not the day” to decide on the issue.

“We just think there are too many unanswered questions right now,” Jerry McDaniel, budget director for the governor’s office, told the House Appropriations Committee Tuesday.

Scott’s questions come as some Republican governors — at least five — have recommended their states embrace the expansion. The most recent was Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

House Appropriations Chairman Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, said his committee is waiting for the decision of a committee set up by House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz to examine the issue.

McKeel said a decision should come early during the legislative session, which begins in March.

Miami Dolphins bill gets early support

The Miami Dolphins are getting early support from state legislators to use tax dollars to renovate Sun Life Stadium.

A Senate panel Tuesday unanimously approved a measure (SB 306) that would guarantee $3 million a year for the next 30 years to help pay for stadium upgrades.

It’s just the first vote, however, with a final vote coming during the session that starts in March.

But the swift approval could be a sign that the Legislature will support the deal despite past objections.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants to use the state money to help pay for $400 million worth of renovations to the stadium. Backers say it will help bring back the Super Bowl to the area.

Associated Press

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